The Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to demonstrate greater respect for the nation by treating Nigeria’s national symbols with the dignity, honour and reverence they deserve.

Speaking ahead of the 2026 National Ordinance Day, with the theme “Our National Symbols, Our Pride,” the Director-General said national symbols are more than mere representations of the country, stressing that they embody Nigeria’s history, identity, sovereignty, shared values and collective aspirations.

Mallam Issa-Onilu urged Nigerians to see the observance of National Ordinance Day as an opportunity to renew their commitment to the nation and demonstrate patriotism through the proper use and respect of the Nigerian Flag, National Anthem, National Pledge, Naira, Coat of Arms and other officially recognised national symbols.

He particularly called for the correct display and handling of the Nigerian Flag, noting that the Flag is a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty and national unity and must not be treated as an ordinary piece of decoration or used in ways that diminish its dignity.

The Director-General also urged Nigerians to sing the National Anthem with pride, understanding and conviction, rather than merely reciting its words as a routine exercise. He stressed that the values expressed in the Anthem including unity, justice, peace and. commitment to the nation must be reflected in the  conduct of citizens.

According to him, “It is not enough to sing the National Anthem; we must live by its message. The words of our Anthem should inspire us to serve Nigeria faithfully, uphold justice, promote peace and contribute positively to the development of our nation.”

Mallam Issa-Onilu further emphasised the need for Nigerians to handle the Naira with dignity and respect, describing the currency as an important national symbol that represents Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared economic identity.

He called on citizens to desist from practices that degrade or abuse the Naira, including unnecessary mutilation, defacement, spraying and other forms of improper handling, urging Nigerians to recognise that respect for the national currency is also an expression of respect for the nation.

The Director-General equally cautioned against the abuse, alteration or inappropriate use of the Coat of Arms and other national symbols, stressing that such symbols should be used responsibly and in accordance with established standards.

He said: “Our national symbols belong to all of us. They are visual and cultural expressions of who we are as Nigerians. When we respect them, we affirm our respect for Nigeria. When we abuse them, we diminish something that belongs to all of us.”

The NOA Director-General explained that the Agency's observance of National Ordinance Day is part of its broader mandate to promote patriotism, national consciousness, civic responsibility and the values that strengthen national unity.

He therefore called on schools, government institutions, religious organisations, traditional institutions, businesses, civil society organisations, the media and families to use the occasion to educate citizens, particularly young Nigerians, on the meaning, significance and proper use of the nation's symbols.

He also urged Nigerians to make respect for national symbols a daily practice rather than an activity limited to national celebrations.

“Our National Symbols, Our Pride”, he said, “is ultimately a call to rediscover our Nigerian identity and express our patriotism not only in words, but through our actions. The Nigeria we desire begins with citizens who respect the nation, obey its laws, protect its symbols and live out the values of unity, peace, integrity and service.”

The Director-General reaffirmed the commitment of the National Orientation Agency to sustained public enlightenment and civic education aimed at deepening Nigerians’ understanding of the nation’s symbols and strengthening the bond between citizens and the Nigerian state.

He called on all Nigerians to join the Agency in making the 2026 National Ordinance Day a renewed demonstration of patriotism, national pride and responsible citizenship.